1344-09-8 Sodium Silicate

Sodium silicate, commonly known as water glass or soluble glass, is a versatile inorganic compound available as a clear, colorless viscous liquid or as white to off-white glass-like solid granules, with a general CAS number of 1344-09-8 and chemical formula Na₂O·nSiO₂·XH₂O (typically with a molar ratio of 2.0–2.3 for liquid forms). This product is highly soluble in water, forming a strongly alkaline solution that exhibits excellent binding, emulsifying, dispersing, and cleaning properties. Key specifications include a SiO₂ content of 31.0–33.0%, Na₂O content of 15.0–16.0%, a specific gravity of 52.7–53.7°Bé at 15°C, and a pH value below 11.5 for a 5% solution. Sodium silicate offers numerous advantages such as strong adhesive bonding on porous surfaces like paper, wood, glass, ceramics, and metals; remarkable heat resistance that allows certain formulations to withstand temperatures up to 815°C; effective fire-retardant performance for textiles, paper, and wood; and excellent chemical versatility as a corrosion inhibitor, detergent builder, and water treatment coagulant aid. Its major applications span across a wide range of industries, including adhesives and sealants for boxboard and laminated glass; detergents and cleaners as a buffering agent; construction as a concrete hardener and refractory binder; foundry as a core and mold binder; pulp and paper for bleaching, sizing, and de-inking; textiles as a sizing and dye-fixing agent; water treatment for iron and manganese stabilization; and specialty materials as a raw material for silica gel, silica sol, and catalyst supports. The product is available in various packaging options ranging from 500g bottles to 25kg cans, 300kg drums, and 25kg or 50kg fiber drums, and should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and acids, with caution to avoid contact with aluminum, zinc, and strong acids; if the product solidifies at low temperatures (0°C or below), it will return to its original form upon gentle heating. Regarding safety, sodium silicate is classified under UN 3266 as a Class 8 corrosive substance with Packing Group II, and carries hazard statements including H302 (harmful if swallowed), H315 (causes skin irritation), H318 (causes serious eye damage), and H335 (may cause respiratory irritation), therefore appropriate personal protective equipment and adequate ventilation are strongly recommended during handling, and in case of skin or eye contact, immediate rinsing with plenty of clean water is essential.